How to increase the volume of the Xiaomi column: from software settings to hardware modifications

Xiaomi speakers are some of the most popular portable audio devices due to their combination of price, quality and functionality. However, many users face the problem that even at maximum volume, the sound seems quiet, especially in noisy rooms or outdoors. The reasons can vary from factory constraints to specific features of a particular model.

In this article, we’ll look at all the possible ways to increase volume on Xiaomi speakers, including official settings, hidden features, firmware updates, and even hardware modifications. It’s important to understand that some methods can affect sound quality or device life – so we’ll detail the risks and give recommendations for minimizing them.

Whether you're using the Mi Portable Speaker, the Mi Smart Speaker or one of the Redmi series, here's a solution to your problem, starting with the safest ways and moving on to the more radical ones.

1. Check basic settings and physical factors

Before you start complex manipulations, make sure that the problem is not in the obvious, and users often overlook simple nuances that are easy to fix.

First, check the battery level. Many Xiaomi models automatically lower their maximum volume at low charge (below 20%) to extend their battery life. Connect the speaker to charge and try again.

Second, look at the speakers for physical obstructions. Dust, dirt, or even protective film (if new) can drown out sound. Gently wipe the speaker grid with dry soft cloth. Use a cotton swab dipped in alcohol for deep cleaning, but don't apply pressure liquids!

  • πŸ”‹ Check battery power – at levels below 20%, the volume can be automatically limited.
  • πŸ”Š Make sure nothing blocks the speakers (dust, covers, hands when holding).
  • πŸ“± Turn off power saving modes on the connected device (smartphone, tablet).
  • πŸ”„ Reboot the column – sometimes a simple reset helps (hold the power button for 10 seconds).

⚠️ Warning: Do not use sharp objects to clean speakers - this can damage the membrane and permanently spoil the sound.

2. Volume settings on the connected device

Often the problem is not with the speaker itself, but with the settings of the smartphone, tablet, or computer it's connected to, and Android devices, for example, have separate regulators for media and Bluetooth devices.

On Xiaomi smartphones (and most other Android devices), follow these steps:

  1. Connect the speaker to Bluetooth.
  2. While playing music, press the volume button on your phone.
  3. Make sure that the slider that appears adjusts the volume of Bluetooth, and not the system.
  4. On some models, you need to go to Settings β†’ Sound β†’ Media Volume and adjust the level there.

On the iPhone, the algorithm is similar, but there is a nuance: in the Control Center (swipe down from the upper right corner), you first need to select a column in the list of output devices, and then adjust the volume.

πŸ“Š What device do you use to connect to the Xiaomi column?
Xiaomi Smartphone
Another brand's smartphone
Tablet
Laptop/PC
Television

Also check if the phone is activated with Do Not Disturb or Quiet Mode, which can limit the volume for all connected devices. On Xiaomi, you can check this in Settings β†’ Sound and Vibration.

Updating the column firmware

Xiaomi regularly releases firmware updates for its speakers that can improve sound algorithms, fix volume-limiting bugs or add new features. Verifying the relevance of the software is one of the first steps for any problem.

To update the firmware:

  1. Install the official Mi Home app (available for Android and iOS).
  2. Connect the column to the application via Bluetooth.
  3. Go to the device management section and find the Firmware Update.
  4. If a new version is available, follow the instructions on the screen. Don't turn off the speaker during the process!

After updating, check the volume - sometimes changes in the firmware affect the sound profile. If there are no updates, try resetting the speaker settings to factory ones (usually this is done by holding the power and Mode button for 5-10 seconds).

What to do if the update is suspended?
If the firmware update process has stalled for a few minutes, don't panic. Give the device another 10-15 minutes, sometimes due to slow data loading. If there's no change after that time, force the column to restart (hold the power button for 15 seconds). Repeat the update attempt later.
Column modelThe latest version of the firmware (for 2026)Changes in sound
Mi Portable Bluetooth Speaker1.4.5_0032Improved low-frequency balance, increased maximum volume by 10%
Mi Smart Speaker2.1.8_0110Added equalizer with presets, corrected distortion at high volume
Redmi Speaker Play1.2.3_0015Optimized energy consumption at high volume
Xiaomi AI Speaker3.0.5_0204Added support for LDAC format for clearer sound

⚠️ Note: Updating firmware through unofficial sources (for example, custom firmware from third-party developers) can lead to loss of warranty and unstable column performance.

4.Use of equalizer and sound effects

Many Xiaomi speakers support equalizer audio profile tuning, which allows you to artificially increase the volume by adjusting the frequencies. This does not increase the physical power of the speakers, but can make the sound subjectively louder.

At the Mi Home appendix:

  1. Select your column in the list of devices.
  2. Go to the Sound Settings or Equalizer (the name may vary depending on the model).
  3. Try preset profiles (Bases, Rock, Pop) or set up sliders manually.
  4. For maximum volume, increase the medium and high frequencies (1-6 kHz) – this will make the sound more piercing and noticeable.

If the Mi Home doesn’t have an equalizer, use it on a sound source (smartphone or PC), for example, on Android you can install apps like Equalizer FX or Wavelet, which allow you to fine-tune the sound for Bluetooth devices.

Increase. 100-200 Hz. +3 dB|Increase. 1-3 khz +4 dB|Reduce 20-50 Hz. -2 dB (to avoid distortions)|Save the profile as "Max Volume"-->

Note that excessive amplification of high frequencies can lead to distortion of sound and fatigue when listening. Experiment with settings to find a balance between volume and quality.

5. Hardware methods of increasing volume

If the software methods didn't work, you might want to consider hardware modifications, but remember, any interference with the design of the column is insecure and can cause it to break, and we're going to describe these methods for informational purposes only.

The most common way is to replace the speakers with more powerful ones, such as the Mi Portable Speaker, which can be used to install speakers from the JBL Go or other models with a similar size (usually 40-50 mm).

  • πŸ”§ Disassemble the column case (you need a plastic spatula and screwdriver).
  • πŸ”Š Select speakers with the same resistance (usually 4 or 8 ohms).
  • πŸ”Œ Carefully solder old speakers and solder new ones.
  • πŸ› οΈ To assemble the body, making sure of tightness (important for basses).

Another option is power modification. Some users increase the voltage on the amplifier by replacing resistors or adding an additional power source. However, this is extremely risky: you can burn the board or shorten the battery life. If you have no experience in electronics, you better give up this method.

πŸ’‘

Before disassembling the column, take a picture of the location of all the parts and wires, which will help to properly assemble it back and avoid short circuits.

Important: The Xiaomi Mi Smart Speaker and Xiaomi AI Speaker speakers use proprietary firmware with reference to the original speakers. Replacing speakers with non-original speakers can lead to errors in operation or complete inoperability of the device.

6. Alternative ways to amplify sound

If you don't want to modify the speaker, you can go the other way, by amplifying the sound with external means.

  • πŸŽ›οΈ Use an external amplifier. Connect the column through a 3.5mm jack or Bluetooth to a portable amplifier (e.g. FiiO) A1 topping NX1S). This will increase the signal power without changing the column itself.
  • πŸ”Š Place the speaker in an acoustically advantageous place. A table corner, a niche in the wall, or even a cardboard tube (improvised horn) can amplify the sound on the wall. 20-30%.
  • πŸ“± Use two speakers in a stereo pair.Many Xiaomi models support mode TWS (True Wireless Stereo, when two speakers work synchronously, doubling the volume.
  • 🎧 Connect the column through AUX-It's a cable instead of Bluetooth. It's a wireless connection that compresses sound, which can turn down the volume.

Another non-obvious way is to use specialized applications on the sound source, such as Boom 3D (for Windows/macOS) or Volume Booster (for Android) to amplify the output signal beyond standard limits, but beware: this can lead to distortion.

If you use a speaker at home, consider connecting it to a smart speaker (such as Xiaomi AI Speaker) via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. Some smart speakers have built-in amplifiers and can act as a hub for other audio devices.

7.When to contact the service center

If none of these methods worked, it may be a hardware malfunction, and here are some signs you should consult a specialist.

  • πŸ”Š The sound is distorted even at low volume (wheezing, crackling).
  • πŸ”‹ The column discharges quickly or does not hold the charge.
  • πŸ”Œ One of the speakers doesn't work at all.
  • πŸ“‰ Volume spontaneously changes during playback.

Xiaomi service center can conduct diagnostics and identify the cause β€” it can be a malfunction of the amplifier, damage to the speaker or problems with the control board.

The cost of repairs outside the warranty depends on the model and breakdown. For example, replacing the speaker in the Mi Portable Speaker costs 800-1500 rubles, and repairing the fee - from 2000 rubles. Before visiting the service, check the prices and check the reviews about the workshop.

πŸ’‘

If you have a warranty column, DO NOT disassemble it yourself, even a careful review will nullify your warranty.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the volume of Xiaomi speakers

Can I increase the volume of the Xiaomi speaker through the engineering menu?
No, Xiaomi speakers don't have the engineering menus that you see on smartphones, all the audio settings are available either through the Mi Home app or through hardware modifications. ADB-commands to change settings, but it only works on Android smart speakers TV (For example, Mi Smart Speaker, and even there is no direct volume control.
Why did the sound become quieter after the firmware update?
Sometimes newer firmware versions introduce maximum volume limits to protect speakers or comply with local regulations (e.g. the EU has strict noise regulations). Try to roll back to the previous version of the software via the Mi Home app (if rollback option is available) or contact Xiaomi support for reasons.
Can you connect a Xiaomi speaker to an amp via AUX and will it be louder?
Yes, connecting through a 3.5 mm connector (if any) to an external amplifier or receiver will increase the volume as the signal will be amplified by an external device. However, make sure that the amplifier maintains the resistance of your speaker (usually 4 or 8 Ohms), otherwise distortion or overheating may occur.
How to reset the Xiaomi column settings to factory?
For most models, the reset is done as follows: hold the power button and the Mode (or "+") button for 10 seconds until the indicator blinks. After that, the column will reset with factory settings. For smart speakers (for example, Xiaomi AI Speaker), the reset is done through the Mi Home application in the device settings section.
Why is TWS (two speakers) less sound than one?
This is normal behavior: when two speakers are working together, the total power is distributed between them, and each one plays at a lower volume than it could separately. To compensate for this, place the speakers closer to each other (at a distance of 1-2 meters) or point them with speakers in one direction to add sound waves.